Springfield jeweler, former wrestler dies

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Springfield jeweler Manoli Savvenas, who previously was a professional wrestler under the nickname The Flying Greek, has died.

Savvenas, 81, died Dec. 31, according to an obituary posted to Legacy.com.

Local filmmaker Jason Brasier, who recently debuted a documentary on Savvenas called “The Flying Greek," announced Savvenas' death in a public Facebook post.

"I am thankful to have known Manoli and that I was able to get to know his family and admirers through the documentary we made," Brasier said in the post, noting Savvenas "lost his battle with colorectal cancer."

"I am thankful that I was able to help preserve his life story so generations could hear about his motivating tenacity, powerful work ethic and his wonderful sense of humor and encouragement," Brasier said.

Mike Pappas is the name Savvenas wrestled under from 1968-78, with his nickname being The Flying Greek, according to past reporting. The Flying Greek clocked in at 5-foot-7, 175 pounds, and he was known for his acrobatic moves, like the flying head scissors, a takedown strategy that involved wrapping his legs around an opponent’s head and flipping them over. He wrestled with the likes of Andre the Giant.

Savvenas owned Brentwood Shopping Center shop Manoli’s Jewelers with his wife, Valerie.